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First I'd like to apologise for the setting/background (don't ask). I'm fairly sure this is an Ontholestes sp. but I don't know which. I believe there are only 2 species in Britain; O.murinus and O.tessellatus. Is it possible to say which, please?

BTW I was actually trying to photograph flies when this appeared.

many thanks

Tim

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I think yours is murinus, based on the colour of the antennae.

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Thanks John, is that the best way to separate the two species?

Tim

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Its not the best way, it was the only one I could remember at the time.

O. tessellatus: palpi and legs red except part of the femora black. Antennae red at the base, black in the distal half, about 50/50.

O. murinus: palpi and legs black except part of the tarsi red. Antennae mostly red, just the tip black.

There are also differences in colour of the coxae but I can't remember which way round; and in shape of the pronotum but you need specimens of both to appreciate it.

John Bratton

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Thanks again John, it's great to be able to put a definite name to it. Now I need to try to get some better photographs.

Tim